Lamborghini looks set to shake things up with its Urus SUV, creating not only the brand's first SUV since the LM002 of the 1980s, but also the Italian supercar firm’s first plug-in hybrid.

Confirmation of the hybrid Urus comes from Lamborghini R&D chief, Maurizio Reggiani, who told the UK’s Autocar that the Urus would be the only Lamborghini model to feature hybrid technology.

Final details of the hybrid system, its outputs, and electric range are still unknown at this point in time, but a pre-production Urus is expected to be detailed in 2017 ahead of the new model’s 2018 production debut.

Reggiani also confirmed that turbocharging would be “completely mandatory” for a heavy SUV like the Urus, leaving Lamborghini's traditionally high-strung naturally aspirated engines for its supercar range, and instead opting for a high-torque twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre petrol V8.

That information also indicates that the production Urus is likely to lean heavily on the available technology available in other high-end Volkswagen Group SUVs including the Audi Q7 and Bentley Bentayga - like the 48-volt anti-roll active suspension used in variants of both.

But rest assured the Urus’ appearance will be completely unique with Reggiani promising, “the design is pure Lamborghini.” Though compared to the 2012 concept (pictured) the final design has evolved considerably.

Class-leading handling, and a focus on weight, power, and aerodynamics will also ensure that the Urus maintains a link to the more focussed performance cars in Lamborghini's range.